Akkadian takes turf mile feature at Santa Anita

Five-year-old gelding Akkadian came out of the final turn three-wide with a lead and hung on to win the $65,000 Russian River Purse, a turf mile for older horses, on Thursday at Santa Anita.

Ridden by Garrett Gomez for trainer Julio Canani, Akkadian was fourth in the field of eight in the early going but took advantage of a quick pace to beat Clubhouse Ride and rider Aaron Gryder by 3/4 of a length in 1:33.88.

Akkadian paid $12.40, $7.20 and $4.80. Clubhouse Ride paid $7 and $4.40. Long shot Golden Itiz was third and returned $13 to show.

The favorite, Willyconker, was briefly second in the homestretch but faded to fourth.

Akkadian earned $39,000 for the win, his fourth in 15 starts, for a career bankroll of $208,522.